ED084368 CE000509
Title: The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species.
Author(s):Knowles, Malcolm
Author Affiliation: American Society for Training and Development,
Madison, WI.(ZQU02470)
Pages: 207
Publication Date: April 1973
Available from: EDRS Price MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available
from EDRS.
Availability: Gulf Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2608, Houston,
TX 77001 ($7.95)
Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1974
Traditional
theories of learning and the teaching practices resulting from them
are reviewed. Most theories of adult learning are based on research
into the learning of children, which in turn is founded upon theories
of animal learning. These theories, formulated under laboratory
conditions, are artificial at best--and not complex enough to apply
to adult human beings. Emerging theories of adult learning, however,
are based on the unique characteristics of adults as learners and
result in differentiated educational practices. Human resource development
(HRD) is based on many of these newer theories and serves as a guideline
for action. Knowles' andragogical theory is based on four assumptions
which differ from those of pedagogy: (1) changes in self-concept,
(2) the role of experience, (3) readiness to learn, and (4) orientation
to learning. As a guideline for developing programs and for selecting
and training teachers, the andragogical model of HRD is very applicable.
Among the appendixes are "Is It Skinner or Nothing" and
"An Approach to a Differential Psychology of the Adult Potential."
There is a eleven-page bibliography. (MS)
Descriptors: *Adult Education; *Adult Learning; Behavior
Patterns; *Human Resources; Individual Development; Labor Force
Development; Learning; Learning Experience; Learning Motivation;
*Learning Theories; Organizational Development; *Teaching Methods;
Teaching Models; Training
